Bringing down the cost of prescription drugs

Hundreds of Virginians have reached out to me to let me know how the high cost of prescription drugs affects their health and their ability to put food on the table or a roof over their heads. I spoke about this on the Senate floor this week and shared some of the stories I’ve heard from constituents.

• Laurie from Norfolk shared her story with me. She has rheumatoid arthritis and lives on Social Security. She can’t use her hands without the drug, but can’t afford the $65,000 the drug company charges for the drug. Even with Medicare part D, the drug costs $8000, which is 1/3 of her annual income.

• Andrew from Great Falls shared the story of his father with me. When he wrote to me, the drug his father needed to battle Leukemia cost $146,000 a year.

• Marie from Virginia Beach shared her story with me. The drug she needs to take is $375,000 a year. Without the drug, she tells me she will likely be bedridden.

We need to ensure that patients are able to access the medicine they need. So I’m going to continue fighting to bring down prescription drug costs so that Virginia families can get the care they need without jeopardizing their health or economic security.